It is the new year and it’s time to shed those extra pounds I packed on in December. I have to admit, I did not hold back. I enjoyed all the desserts. I am also enjoying the fruits of that labor, a much higher number on the scale.
I began mentally preparing for a “cut.” I was preparing myself for the difficulties of increased exercise and far fewer calories per day. I was preparing to be hungry and cranky. I was preparing to be miserable.
I can honestly say, that I have kept my cut 100% and it has not been as bad as I was expecting. Now, the first week is the honeymoon phase. The difficulty is when perseverance gets taxed in the third and fourth week. If I know the hard part is still to come, why am I so optimistic?
There are two reasons for my optimism: historical proof and preparation.
I have done a cut before. I had a trainer last year and he helped guide me to my goal weight. I even surpassed my goal. The fact that I have done this before is proof that I can do it again. I saw something from our modern source of truth…social media. It was a line that said, “you have survived all of your worst days.” Our history is something we can stand on for confidence.
On top reflecting on my history, I can trust my preparation. To drop another random phrase, I often say, “fate favors the prepared.” The question in return then is, “if you were prepared for it, was it really fate?” That is when I wink and walk away in dramatic fashion. The reality is that most things are difficult because we were not prepared for it.
I have been on a health journey for quite a while and it is surprisingly representative of our spiritual walk. Why can I have faith and trust that God will get me through? How can I believe that I will persevere with Christ? Because I have been through some sucky things in the past and Christ was with me and we got through it. I pray and read my Bible, preparing for whatever may come.
So, whenever you are struggling with doubt, or dealing with a difficult situation. Think back through your history, your story. Remember all the difficult times. You are still. You are an everlasting soul, and will remain after this one as well.